Metsola praises Meloni’s ‘common-sense solutions’ on EU simplification
The EU Parliament chief’s regular meetings with officials in Rome have fueled speculation that she is seeking to build support for a bid to lead the Commission.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday commended Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's "common-sense solutions" aimed at simplifying EU bureaucracy. At a Catholic political and cultural festival in Rimini, Metsola criticized the unintended consequences of proposals that hinder progress. She emphasized the need for the EU to reduce red tape and bolster its single market to remain competitive globally, highlighting China as a reference point.
Metsola echoed Meloni's call for more practical solutions, positioning herself for a potential bid for the European Commission presidency in 2029. The Maltese national, fluent in Italian, frequently visits Italy and meets with officials in Rome, sparking speculation about her efforts to garner Italian support for her 2029 aspirations.
Metsola also addressed the EU's packaging regulation, which she deemed burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises. Under the regulation, companies now bear the costs of managing packaging waste and appoint a representative in each EU country where they sell their products. The European Commission proposed scrapping the requirement for small and medium-sized enterprises in December to ease compliance.
However, EU governments and some MEPs oppose this move. Metsola expressed pride in the Parliament's initiative to rectify the situation, with MEPs expected to negotiate a final version of the proposal in October.
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